Early in OTAs, quarterback Bryce Young witnessed Jalen McMillan’s advanced football intelligence during a specific play. McMillan recognized a nuance and told Young he would slow his route to create space for another receiver, ensuring he wouldn’t drag a defender into the play.
“Most rookies are focused on the name of the route and their steps,” Young explained. “To immediately come in, have the feel, understand what’s going on with the football IQ to do it, and to apply it at full speed—that was probably one of the first things that I recognized.”
McMillan has also integrated well within a young group of receivers that includes first-rounder Xavier Legette and fellow rookie Jalen Coker. According to receivers coach Jedd Idzik, McMillan’s team-first mentality stands out.
“He wants to get every catch, but he has not expressed, ‘I’m dying to get my first career touchdown.’ That’s not really his mental makeup,” Idzik said. “That’s why we love the guy. A receiver has to be inherently self-confident, thinking ‘I’m open every snap.’ If you look at the play where Xavier caught the touchdown last week, TMac was open. He did his job and got open as well. The ball just went the other way.”
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